Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the two Ghanaian nationals detained in Ukraine are alive and in good health, describing his recent engagement as a major diplomatic breakthrough toward securing their release.

The Minister revealed that he was granted rare access to a tightly secured detention facility where the two men are being held after being captured in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He described the visit as an important step in efforts to bring them home.

“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He expressed appreciation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the country’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for approving what he characterised as an extraordinary request. The Minister noted that the approval is believed to mark the first time an African foreign minister has been permitted such access.

According to him, Ukraine’s decision reflects the cordial relations between Accra and Kyiv and strengthens optimism that ongoing negotiations will yield positive results.

“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.

For security considerations, the identities of the detainees have not been disclosed. However, the Minister indicated that both men have expressed a strong desire to turn their experience into advocacy against human trafficking networks.

“It is refreshing to hear our two compatriots say that they are determined to become advocates against the modus operandi of trafficking networks and willing to devote the rest of their lives educating vulnerable Africans how to avoid such predicaments,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa’s visit to Kyiv formed part of wider diplomatic engagements between Ghana and Ukraine. During the trip, he also held discussions with President Zelenskyy, with talks reportedly centred on bilateral cooperation and humanitarian concerns relating to the detained Ghanaians.

The development signals notable progress in Ghana’s efforts to secure the safe return of its citizens and underscores the government’s commitment to protecting nationals caught up in conflicts beyond its borders.